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A young man's passage from childhood to maturity through the overwhelming European holocaust is the external framework for THE GATES OF THE FOREST. Internally, the materials of Jewish parable and folklore boldly confront a contemporary situation involving man and his concept of God. Desperate concern and a unique narrative gift have establishe... more »d ELIE WIESEL'S reputation; THE GATES OF THE FOREST is his major work and is considered one of the most remarkable and powerful novels in modern literature.

Young Gregor survives the Nazi wasteland as man has survived, but the path he takes must lead through a wood of strange encounters, of names and masks, and the legendary terror of myth. He must hide in a cave, play mute, reveal himself, and re-enact the role of Judas. He must tell stories, listen to them, and become one of them. Crossing oceans, he must continue seeking relationships with other men and with an abandoning God. And to rediscover innocence he must exorcise guilt.« less